Highlight of the spring for 4 year-old chasers, the Prix Ferdinand Dufaure will be run a month from now, 19 May, and this Sunday, Auteuil stages the final recognised prep, the Prix Jean Stern, run over the selective 4400m course which tends to prove quite a test for young horses.

A Grade 2 worth €235,000, the race offers both status and prizemoney. With 7 successes, Guillaume Macaire holds the record, while François Nicolle has won the last three editions. 

Third on his comeback in the Prix Duc d’Anjou, it is Arnaud Chaillé-Chaillé’s top-rated Kaadam who is the focus of attention. Best 3 year-old chaser of 2023, he will be racing in his new colours, 50% having been sold to Andrew Peake and Simon Macauley. 

Others capable of getting in on the action include recent G.3 Prix Fleuret runner-up, Kentucky Wood, Chanteur Du Bourg and Krakan who are likely to generate interest. It is worth noting Kador De Ciergues’s presence at this level, but trainer Gabriel Leenders holds him in high regard.

The G.2 Prix Léon Rambaud, run over 4300m, is an important step on the road to next month’s Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil and, currently the leading French hurdler, Losange Bleu has surprisingly been taken out of the race Friday morning. Runner-up to him in the G.3 Prix Hypothèse last month, July Flower is therefore likely to be a warm favourite. Zarakhan left such a favourable impression in a Listed over course and distance last month that his inclusion must be taken seriously.

The most valuable race on the card, at €255,000, is reserved for the125th edition of the G.3 Prix du Président de la République. A handicap chase for 5yo+, it is best described as a French version of the Grand National.